Box Lacrosse Cage for Rec Hockey?

[isk8byu 4]

I am wondering if anyone has any thoughts/information on using a box lacrosse mask for adult rec hockey? My biggest question is how large the openings are? An example of the mask I am considering can be found on "Lacrosse Monkey": http://www.lacrossemonkey.com/gait-lacrosse-box-mask-g7-sr.html

A couple years ago I switched from a half shield to an OTNY rec league cat eye cage, and really like the vision/airflow, but I have since come to relize that a puck fits through several of the openings if tilted at the right angle...including one of the eye openings! Here is a link to the rec cat eye cage: http://www.lastchancehockey.com/servlet/the-501/NEW-Cat-Eye-Rec/Detail

With our season just getting started, I thought I would investigate other options, like the box lacrosse cage.

I know, I could just go back to my old Jofa cage, but if there are other options, thought I would at least look. Not looking to protect against a butt end, just random high sticks and a deflected shot.

Thanks!

(Edit: If you are not familiar with box lacrosse, they use hockey helmets for these cages, so compatibility shouldn't be an issue)

[crispy92 14]

The look of that one specifically looks fine. I've seen some that may be able to let a puck through.

But really if your worried about vision and protection why not just opt for a fishbowl or a decent cage

[MikeWhy 39]

+1 for a decent cage. Better protection, could be lighter depending on what cage you get, looks better and does the same job. IMO people who "cant see" through a cage hasn't explored their options and tested different bar alignments.

[isk8byu 4]

The way I counted, there are 15 bars on my Jofa and 8 on the lacrosse version above. I tend to think outside the box and I am trying to strike a balance between "safe enough" and least amount of clutter (bars) in my line of vision. As long as it stops a hard shot and an occasional high stick, that is good enough for me.

I wore a "fishbowl" for several years in HS and liked it, but I don't want to go down that road for several reasons at this point in my non-existent career (sweat, fog, scratches, airflow).

[MThockeydad 469]

It's a lot safer than no cage at all, as long as you don't do anything riskier because you think you've got the cage for protection!

[Chadd 916]

I wouldn't count on that stopping a hard shot. Those gaps also look large enough for the tip of a blade to fit inside. Several of the guys on my team had cut bars out of their cages until one of them got a stick in the eye a couple weeks ago. Eventually, the law of averages catches up with you.

You don't need to reinvent the wheel, just pick up a good cage and you will be fine.

[MarsB 33]

It's not just the bar count, but how they are spread and where they are in your field of vision. I experimented with several different models before I found the style that works best for me.

[SirJW 207]

Just like the bootleg / blackmarket cateye cages there is a reason they are not certified. Take one shoulder in the chin and say good bye to some chicklets.

[isk8byu 4]

Just to wrap this up. I was able to take a look at the box lacrosse mask I originally posted. It was substantial and felt like it could handle a big hit without issue, but the top set of eye openings were just large enough that if I pushed a little bit, a puck would pop through. No go, as that is the same issue with the OTNY player cateye.

Thanks for all the feedback. May just go and buy a Bauer Re Akt titanium cage and get it over with.

[MikeWhy 39]

Just to wrap this up. I was able to take a look at the box lacrosse mask I originally posted. It was substantial and felt like it could handle a big hit without issue, but the top set of eye openings were just large enough that if I pushed a little bit, a puck would pop through. No go, as that is the same issue with the OTNY player cateye.

Thanks for all the feedback. May just go and buy a Bauer Re Akt titanium cage and get it over with.

pssst!!! get the bauer profile II..white!